SGN-35 is an antibody-drug conjugate, or ADC, that targets the CD30 antigen expressed on the surface of ALCL cells. The ADC is composed of an anti-CD30 antibody linked to a highly potent drug called auristatin. The antibody is utilized as the vehicle to deliver its potent payload directly to CD30-expressing tumor cells, where it results in a targeted cell-killing effect.

Phase I clinical data reported at the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) 2008 annual meeting indicate that SGN-35 is able to induce objective antitumor responses at well-tolerated doses in patients with CD30-positive hematologic malignancies, including ALCL. To see the data presentation, click on the link below:

Objective Responses in a Phase I Dose-Escalation Study of SGN-35, a Novel Antibody-Drug Conjugate (ADC) Targeting CD30, in Patients with Relapsed or Refractory Hodgkin Lymphoma
Younes, A., et.al.
ASCO June 2008

SGN-35 is currently in two phase I single-agent clinical trials for patients with relapsed or refractory CD30-positive hematologic malignancies. Click on the links below to the clinicaltrials.gov web site to learn more about these clinical trials.

Phase I Open-Label Dose Finding Study for CD30 Positive Hematologic Malignancies (every three week dosing)

A Phase I Dose Escalation Study of Weekly SGN-35 Alone and in Combination with Gemcitabine in HL (weekly dosing)

ABOUT CD30
ALCL cells are unusual in that they express a protein marker on their surface known as CD30. This marker only appears on a small number of other cell types in the body and thus provides a way to distinguish the tumor cells. This marker is widely used to diagnose ALCL. When the tumor is biopsied, the laboratory examining the biopsy will test for the presence of the CD30 coating the tumor cells. Only tumors showing evidence of CD30 will be confirmed as ALCL. The presence of CD30 as a characteristic marker of ALCL has encouraged research into a targeted treatment approach.